Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing
Smoky brisket slices combined with grilled corn salad and a zesty chipotle lime dressing for a fresh twist on Texas BBQ flavors. This bbq & smoked-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends beef brisket, sliced thin, ears corn on the cob, husked, mayonnaise into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef brisket, sliced thin
- 3 ears corn on the cob, husked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush 3 ears of husked corn with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until charred and tender. Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob and place in a bowl.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp minced chipotle pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Toss the grilled corn kernels with the chipotle lime dressing, 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until well combined.
- Step 4: Arrange 1 lb thinly sliced beef brisket on a serving platter and top with the grilled elote salad.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve this vibrant salad warm or at room temperature for a smoky, tangy BBQ-inspired dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing?
BBQ & Smoked beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
